Ben Foden is set to make his first England Test start after fellow fullback Delon Armitage was dropped on Tuesday from the squad to play France in the Six Nations finale in Paris on Saturday.
Armitage’s departure from the England squad ahead of Wednesday’s team announcement by manager Martin Johnson saw the fullback pay the price for a slump in form which continued during last weekend’s 15-15 draw away to Scotland at Murrayfield – a match where neither side managed a single try.
Also out of contention for the Stade de France clash against Grand Slam chasing France is wing Ugo Monye who suffered a neck injury in Saturday’s Calcutta Cup draw.
England also have injury concerns over captain Steve Borthwick (knee) and fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, who sustained a couple of heavy blows to the head at Murrayfield but the duo remain with the squad.
In all 11 players have been released back to their clubs. That effectively leaves Johnson with a matchday 22, although England’s 2003 World Cup winning captain has still to unveil his starting XV and seven replacements.
Foden, who has made three Test appearances off the bench, is widely regarded as the kind of player who could inject some much needed sharpness into England’s misfiring attack.
He could be joined by Northampton colleague Chris Ashton, a former rugby league player, who will be in contention to fill the wing berth vacated by Monye.
And even if Wilkinson is fit, his place could be taken by Toby Flood.
Meanwhile World Cup winning centre Mike Tindall, who has only recently returned from injury, could make a dramatic return to the side in a bid to stiffen an England back division sure to be tested by the pace and power of giant French midfielder Mathieu Bastareaud.
Up front, flanker Lewis Moody is challenging for a recall while veteran lock Simon Shaw is set for a starting spot after recovering from a shoulder injury.
“It is not about chopping and changing on a whim because that doesn’t do anyone any good,” said Johnson.
“We have got to pick a team to win every individual game.”
Viscount Crouchback
Guest
Indeed, and it's also worth remembering that Ashton was the fellow who took Catt, Farrell, Shaun Perry and an over-the-hill Dallaglio to a World Cup and left behind Haskell, Abendanon and Flood. (Not that I necessarily disagree with those decisions - but it does prove that the idea of Ashton being "The Great Picker of Youthful Entertainers" is the purest poppycock).
Colin N
Guest
"It was only when Martin Johnson came on board he was cast aside. Probably because he is an adventurous player which doesn’t fit into Johnsons conservative approach to rugby." You fell down on your argument there. Johnson did give him a chance and England attempted to play expansive rugby, with him as the pivot. He was poor and subsequently dropped. Do you watch GP rugby and did you see England against France last season? "Cipriani is a much better player than Flood" More talented definitely, but not on form. Flood has played better than him for a while. As an England fan I would love to see Cipriani playing well, but he's not, so he shouldn't be considerd. It's also worth nothing that Walder is starting over Cipriani tomorrow.
Wavell Wakefield
Guest
That is simply theory on your part, unless you are involved in the England rugby scene? The fact of the matter is that Cipriani has not played consistently well for Wasps in two whole seasons. That is undeniable, and that is why Wasps have often preferred Dave Walder to him. Danny Cipriani had one good game for England under Ashton, when Ireland fielded Shane Horgan and Andrew Trimble in the centres. He didn't play well against Wales or Italy. Also, the teams that Ashton chose were far more conservative than what Johnson has gone with. I suggest you reacquaint yourself with the first four sides that Johnson ever selected. Ashton gave Cipriani one start. Johnson gave himself three. Facts always tend to undermine hyperbole, Seiran.
Seiran
Guest
'They' dropped Cipriani because Martin Johnson and his hierarchy do not like him, not because he wasn't playing well enough. Under Brian Ashton he was given his chance against Ireland and he excelled. It was only when Martin Johnson came on board he was cast aside. Probably because he is an adventurous player which doesn't fit into Johnsons conservative approach to rugby. Cipriani is a much better player than Flood.
Colin N
Guest
They dropped Cipriani because he wasn't playing well enough, simple as!
Seiran
Guest
Wilkinson has been declared fit and was immediately dropped to the bench in place of Flood. Where he belongs IMO. The style England are trying to play does not suit Wilkinsons one dimensional style of kicking the leather off the ball. Their new style requires a fly-half with vision, a willingness to run the ball and a strong passer....shame they dropped Cipriani.